Students to perform with State Honor Choir

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By Andy Barrand

Hillsdale.net - Hillsdale, MI

By Andy Barrand

Posted Dec. 6, 2012 at 10:45 AM

By Andy Barrand

Posted Dec. 6, 2012 at 10:45 AM

Hillsdale, Mich.

andy.barrand@hillsdale.net

HILLSDALE — The sounds of the holidays filled the choir room at Hillsdale High School Wednesday morning. The choir, under the direction of David Boswell, was preparing for its annual concert, "A Holiday Collage." The choir, band, orchestra and various ensemble groups will take the stage at Davis Middle School Auditorium at 7 p.m. Friday for the concert. The choir features five students who were chosen for the State Honor Choir Saturday. The five students were all part of the Regional Honors Choir, which performed at Western Michigan University. Those students are Bethany Bowen, Halley Harmon, Holli Slamka, Sena Finegan and Tory Hood. All five of the students said they were surprised to make the choir. Sophomores Harmon and Slamka were part of the State Honor Choir last year. “It is cool to be with other musicians,” Harmon said. Both said the experience is a good one, and they look forward to going back again this year. The students will travel to Grand Rapids Jan. 17 for a weekend of performing with other choir students from around the state. The weekend will conclude with a combined concert. Finegan, a junior, said she was surprised to have made the cut. “I didn’t think I did well,” she said. Going into rehearsals, Hood said she was battling a cold which didn’t allow her to practice. During the weekend the students had to learn three songs for rehearsals. They were then judged by a panel of judges for one of three choirs. Rehearsals were also held for the All State Choir, which will be announced in February. Bowen, in her first year trying out for the choir, said the judges were really nice and encouraging during the event. Since becoming choir director at the school in 1993, this is the third time Boswell has had five students make the choir in a year. “I feel extremely fortunate to work with these kids,” he said. “We have an outstanding choir because of them.” Boswell said during Friday’s holiday concert there will be 31 different pieces performed. “It is an unique performance,” he said. Performances from the band, orchestra, choir and ensemble are woven throughout the concert. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for seniors and students.